Deschamps: Mbappe's private life is no longer private

Ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League A Group 4 match against Belgium, Didier Deschamps attended a press conference, where he discussed his views on several players and his expectations for the match.

On Kouadio Kone:
"The first match he couldn't play, but now he's here. As an attacking midfielder, either in the No. 6 or hybrid 6 role... he has the ability to win the ball back and isn’t clumsy when distributing it. He and Tchouaméni have different styles. Even though all midfielders like to push forward, for balance, not all of them can do so. He used to have a tendency to get booked easily, but he’s shown great composure."

On Digne:
"He’s here because he has a connection with the French national team, even though he hasn’t had many happy moments. That’s my fault, as I haven’t selected him in some matches. However, with his experience at the club level, he remains one of the best in his position. He always has the ambition to be a starter, which he’s achieved at club level, but it’s not always the case with the national team."

On potential lineup changes:
"People have asked me about this. It’s not the same situation as in September when we had two matches in three days. There will be some changes tomorrow, but not as many as eight."

On the rivalry between France and Belgium:
"This rivalry has developed because we meet frequently in competitions. We don’t have animosity, but there’s always competition due to our results in key matches. It’s a healthy rivalry. Ideally, if everyone behaves properly, national anthems won’t be booed. We’re playing at their home, and we don’t expect them to sing 'La Marseillaise.'"

On Marcus Thuram:
"It’s always better when players score. Nkunku has been out for a while due to injury, but he has many qualities as a forward. As for Marcus Thuram, he’s been doing very well at club level, and now he needs to take the next step. He had a minor issue after the last match, but he’s doing better now. Like all young players, we can’t push them too quickly or force them to compete at the highest level right away. Someone like Olise has great potential, but for attacking players, the gap between levels is wider. They have the obligation to make decisive contributions, which requires them to stay as calm as possible in matches."

On the value of the UEFA Nations League:
"Value? It depends on how you see it. We always maintain high standards. It’s a competition, and I wouldn’t say I don’t care, but it only becomes interesting when we qualify for the final eight. For broadcasters, the Nations League means more matches, but for teams in lower divisions, they don’t get the opportunity to participate. For you, it might be more interesting."

On Mbappé vacationing in Sweden:
"He's not here, is he! From a personal point of view, he can do what he wants. Everyone will have their own opinion. Maybe Tchouaméni knows what’s happening with his club’s schedule... If some people are upset about him going on vacation, well, if he’s in Sweden, it’s because his club didn’t impose restrictions on him. I’m not defending him just for the sake of it, but the issue is that his private life is no longer private, which is not the case for you. Sometimes, that works in your favor. I’ll leave it at that."

On Tchouaméni continuing as captain:
"I didn’t hear what he said at his press conference, and I don’t intend to listen. Why would I watch what they’re saying... they can say what they want. I know Tchouaméni, and he’s capable of expressing himself. I don’t think he’ll be what you’d call an ‘ideal client’ for the media. He has experience and won’t give you anything that could spark controversy. Of course, that’s not why I chose him as captain, but it is part of the responsibility. These days, we have to be cautious about sensitive or even highly sensitive topics, and it’s been like that for a while. During the press conferences at the Euros, I answered political questions the day before matches, but that’s not my area of expertise."

On France's historical advantage over Belgium:
"That’s part of history, and of course, it’s good for us. I don’t think it gives us a psychological edge, but we’ll be facing a very motivated Belgian team. We can’t change what happened before. We can't talk about an advantage because it’s not the same context, nor the same teams... and tomorrow’s match will become part of history as well."